Another Rashford-like Pick? Gautam Gambhir Chooses Harry Brook for POTS Award Over Joe Root, Ben Stokes

Since Gautam Gambhir became India's head coach last year, the Oval Test victory against England was only the team's fifth win in the format.

Another Rashford-like Pick? Gautam Gambhir Chooses Harry Brook for POTS Award Over Joe Root, Ben Stokes

Gautam Gambhir surprisingly named Harry Brook as England's POTS, over Joe Root or Ben Stokes. (via ESPN Cricinfo)

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Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir stunned many by choosing Harry Brook as England’s Player of the Series, following the conclusion of the final Test at the Oval on Monday (August 4). Gambhir’s choice notably snubbed veteran English stars Joe Root and Ben Stokes, leaving many stunned.

The 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy ended in dramatic manner, with India securing a narrow, last-gasp victory over England in the fifth and final Test, leveling the series at 2-2. Chasing a final-innings target of 374 runs, the Three Lions faltered at the end and lost by a slim margin of just six runs. For the visitors, Mohammed Siraj (5/104) and Prasidh Krishna (4/126) were the standout performers with the ball in the second innings.

While the thrilling finish to the series was a major talking point, another point of surprise was Gautam Gambhir‘s choice for England’s Player of the Series. The 43-year-old coach selected Harry Brook from the home side.

Brook had an admirable series, finishing as the fifth-highest run-scorer. The 26-year-old scored 481 runs in nine innings at an average of 53.44, including two centuries and two half-centuries, including a blazing knock of 111 runs in the final innings at the Oval.

For many cricket fans worldwide, the surprising act of both teams’ coaches selecting the POTS from the rival side was an unexpected sight. However, this is a notable Test tradition in England, where coaches acknowledge the best performers from the opposition by presenting them with the Player of the Series award. Back in 2021, during India’s last Test tour to England, Joe Root and Jasprit Bumrah were awarded the Player of the Series awards. 

Gambhir’s decision to choose Brook surprised many, as he overlooked the contributions of Joe Root and Ben Stokes. Some even compared his choice to a past interview where he abnormally chose Marcus Rashford as his favorite footballer over the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Root, who finished with 537 runs at an average of 67.12, was bypassed despite having shattered multiple records, including surpassing Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history.

England captain Ben Stokes was equally impressive, winning the POTM award in two matches. He delivered a prolific all-round performance in the first four Tests but had to sit out the final match at The Oval due to a shoulder injury. With the bat, he scored 304 runs in seven innings at an average of 43.43, while finishing as the Three Lions’ second-highest wicket-taker, with 17 scalps at an average of 25.24.

Meanwhile, England’s head coach Brendon McCullum chose Indian captain Shubman Gill as the Player of the Series for India. Gill’s selection seemed well-justified, as the 25-year-old finished the series as the highest run-getter with 754 runs in ten innings at an average of 75.40.

Gautam Gambhir Posts Strongly-Worded Message Following India’s Historic Oval Triumph

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir took to social media to celebrate the Indian team’s dramatic triumph over England in the final Test at The Oval. Gambhir posted a strongly worded message highlighting what he sees as the defining trait of the young Indian red-ball side.

Gautam Gambhir on India win
Gautam Gambhir rejoiced India’s win over England in the final Test, through a strongly-worded social media message. (via X)

After India secured a last-gasp six-run victory, the 43-year-old took to X to share his reaction. He posted several pictures of the team celebrating their victory, along with a caption stating that while the Indian team might lose some matches and win others, they will ‘never surrender’ or give up. The head coach clearly expressed his elation at the team’s sensational comeback.

Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team will now travel back to India to prepare for the much-awaited 2025 Asia Cup. The Indian T20I side, which will be in action in the UAE, is also expected to face arch-rival Pakistan next month, despite recent backlash.